Table Talk: February 25–March 2

One Last Cup

Earlier last month, Anton Tasich, the founder and namesake of Anton’s Coffee, died after spending 45 years behind the counter of the beloved breakfast diner. Now, the coffee shop has announced that it is closing its doors for good at 2 p.m. on March 1. On a sign posted on the door, the owners thanked their loyal customers and dedicated staff for almost half a century of memories. If you’re nostalgic for a little piece of Springfield history yourself, Anton’s is hosting an auction for its interior items on March 13. 

Don’t Fight the Kravings

In October, Krave Seafood & Oyster Bar announced that it was closing for good after a July fire burned down its building. But, like any good fighter, Krave is back on its feet. Starting March 2, in addition to its fan-favorite cocktails and vast beer and wine selection, Whiskey Tango is also serving Krave’s menu of seafood, steak and oysters Monday through Saturday starting at 4 p.m.

A Slice of the Pie

When one Springfield institution door closes, another one opens. Pizza parlor The Big Slice has opened its second location for business on South Kansas Expressway. The pizzeria is offering its vast menu of specialty pies, wings, salads and more seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. And for those who live close, the new location is also offering delivery from 5 p.m. to close. 

New in Nixa

Your meal options in Nixa just got a whole lot tastier. The Nixa location of Gettin’ Basted opened last week, serving its signature award-winning barbecue and fully loaded sides in the former Buckingham’s building. Gettin’ Basted Nixa is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. 

New Nixa transplant Frank ‘n’ Steins is also now open. The hot dog eatery, which was formerly located in Springfield on Walnut Street’s Brewery District Flats, reopened on Monday in the former Bair’s Sports Grill on Sherman Way. 

Build Me Up, Buttercup

Nothing goes better with a crisp, cool beer than… construction. Backhoes and hard hats are the season’s hot new accessory at three local breweries. First up, Tie & Timber Beer Co. is teasing us all with a little construction project despite the frosty temps. They’re mum on the project for now, but feel free to speculate with the rest of us in the comment sections. Meanwhile, over at Mother’s Brewing Co., the iconic gateway structure is coming down to make way for an expanded tent and patio debuting this spring. And finally, the east side’s newest brewery, Prehistoric Brewing Co., is getting ready to erupt—the taproom with a glowing lava bar expects to open in the coming few weeks, so keep an eye on the brewery’s social media for updates. 

Menu Meltdown

March is almost here, and with a new month comes new menus!

• Send your sweet tooth down to European Cafe to bid farewell to a few of your favorite menu items. The patisserie is debuting some new items, like a cheesecake mousse on a brown butter cookie crust with passion fruit caramel. *Swoon*

• As previously reported, Golden Girl Rum Club is rolling out new menus on March 10, but to satiate us impatient tiki toucans, they’re giving sneak peeks of new drinks each week, like the coconutty Year of the Rabbit who hopped out for a taste this weekend.  

• At Metropolitan Grill, Pat Duran is working on his 50th (yes, you read that right) new menu. Take a peek at some of the teaser images and try not to drown in drool. 

• Shaking up the cafeteria menu game, each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can get Craft Sushi’s custom bowls at the Mercy Main Campus cafeteria. 

• Finally, if you’re feeling a little fried-out, Hot Cluckers now offers salads with grilled or fried, sauced or plain chicken. 

Fast Food Frenzy

The Kum & Go at West Bypass and Chestnut Expressway has come and gone, and a little royalty is taking its place. The Springfield Business Journal has reported that a Burger King is taking its place and is scheduled to open later this year. 

Order Up

Expect to see some changes at The Order in the coming months. The restaurant within Hotel Vandivort plans to roll out new spring menus in the coming months as its kitchen prepares for a new executive chef after the departure of chef Caleb Stangroom last week.

Sweet Stuff

If you’ve got a soft spot for sucrose, we’ve got your covered. If your vice is hard candies and syrupy fizzy sodas, Queen City Soda & Sweets has reopened with updated hours after a brief closing. If you’re more of a baked goods babe, a new bakery is coming to Joplin. Finn’s Bakery, an expansion of Finn’s restaurant, acquired Smallcakes Cupcakery and plans to offer cakes, pies, cookies, cupcakes and more.